I recently came across a piece in Forbes talking about how quickly rental dynamics can evolve when population growth spikes.I’m based in Phoenix and have been in the real estate game for three decades, and a close friend of mine recently reminded me how the right connections can shape your entire strategy.

Gotta have some skin in the game. 

Views, indoor pools, game rooms and proximity to attractions.

Dear Wilkes-Barre-Scranton area, my name is Gabe and I'm relatively new to the real-estate game- but I'm eager to learn.

There is a reason we lenders require "skin in the game" and experience.

I don't think I need to have that exactly figured out on day 1 of my first rental purchase, I need to get into the game. 

To me it’s a challenging game, an intricate puzzle where if you learn how to play you get great results.

One of my favorite authors, Nicholas Nassim Taleb, sold me on the concept of Skin in the Game and holding all pundits accountable for prior predictions, myself included. 

Should I re evaluate what strategy I should use and maybe look further out in places such as Rochester and BRRR properties out thereHey @Jared Leggett, I know I'm jumping in here late in the game, and I have to admit that I haven't read all the many comments you've gotten, but I wanted to provide what I imagine and glean is a contrary view.It is easy to dunk on NYC for young investors starting out, but if you are a first time homebuyer you can buy a $1M property with $35k down (+ closing costs which can be avoided with seller's concessions).

Personally, I enjoy self-managing and screening is my favorite thing, so I'm not in the market for PM services, but a lot of my clients that I work with and other fellow investors would be interested in it.